B.A. in Language & International Trade

Welcome to our unique Bachelor of Arts degree program. Right now is an exciting time to prepare yourself to launch a career using advanced language skills in the field of international business. With this brand of training, countless doors of opportunity will open for you in the increasingly global marketplace!

The L&IT program of study was launched in 1987 here at Clemson University. This degree is basically a double majorthat combines: 1) modern language study (Mandarin, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish) with a 2) professional concentration (International Trade, Tourism, or Applied International Economics).

This broad method of training prepares students to become dynamic actors in career fields including: Marketing and Sales, Purchasing, Finance and Accounting, Management, International Law, Import / Export, and even Government Service.

In addition to 120 hours of coursework for the L&IT major, all students are required to complete an approved study abroad program in a country in which they will make extensive use of and receive real-life training in the target language they have studied in the classroom. Each student also completes an approved internship with an international company.

L&IT graduates are employed in a great variety of fields and are making their mark on the world in impressive ways; we are very proud of their accomplishments. Come join us!

Students Share Their L&IT Experiences

The Chinese L&IT program provided a path that allows me to pursue my dreams and passions. I always wanted to travel and work abroad, and I have been able to do just that and more because of this program. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a career in today’s international business environment. – Nicole Nissen (2006, L&IT Chinese)

The language department feels like a family. After four years of classes, clubs, and programs on campus and abroad, I developed both professional and personal relationships with my professors and advisers. From regular advising appointments to informal personal conversations before and after class, the teachers from this program demonstrated their interest not only in my success in learning Chinese, but my overall academic and personal achievements as a university student. Despite the fact that I was taking at least one Chinese class each semester, the academics were never boring. This program gives students the unique opportunity to sit in very small classes and often receive one-on-one coaching. One of the most important things that you learn in studying Chinese compared to other languages is the important role that history, culture and tradition plays in international relations. Learning a language is certainly an important skill, but the Chinese program at Clemson also prepares it's students to interact with diverse people from all backgrounds. – Rebecca Cibulskis (2014, L&IT Chinese)

As a senior Spanish and International Trade major, I have frequented the LIT conference over my time at Clemson. This year, a job fair was hosted in which there were several international companies present looking for bilingual students to add to their team. After talking to several companies at the fair, I found one that really interested me - Richloom Fabrics. After speaking to the representatives and doing my best to network, I was fortunate enough to have an interview with them. I really credit the LIT Conference to helping me obtain this interview and hopefully a position in the future! – Sarah Burton (2018, L&IT Spanish)